A technique that causes a single note to change slightly is called bending a note on a harmonica.The harmonica's distinctive "wailing" quality is attributed to this.A diatonic harmonica is the only one that can be used for bending.The wind savers in harmonicas alter the sound and make it sound less impressive.
Step 1: You need to hold your harmonica correctly.
You should hold the harmonica in your left hand, with your thumb supporting the bottom of the instrument and your other fingers on top.The numbers on the harmonica should be facing upwards.You can form an open C-shape with your fingers and thumb.The harmonica should be tucked into the C-shape where your thumb joins your hand.
Step 2: Attach a seal with your harmonica and mouth.
If you want to play the harmonica or kiss someone, you shouldn't pucker your lips.The inner part of your mouth needs to be in contact with the case of the harmonica to give you proper control.The wood/plastic body should be in your mouth.If you want the best control and quality of tone, you should keep your jaw relaxed.When playing a harmonica, your jaw should be slightly lowered.The more space you have in your mouth, the richer your tone will be.While getting used to forming a proper mouth seal with your harmonica, it can be difficult to hold the instrument in position.Practice until this becomes second nature.
Step 3: Blocks notes is a good way to practice.
You can play a single note with blocking, it closes off other holes.You can only bend a single note at a time on the harmonica.Lip blocking is best for bending notes in blues and melody.If you can narrow the opening of your mouth to about the width of a pencil, you will be able to block all of the holes on your harmonica.It's possible to keep other notes out of your mouth by covering them with your tongue.If you use lip blocking, you won't need to narrow your mouth as much.
Step 4: Control your breathing.
It's called "blowing" when you play a note by exhaling.Drawing is called playing a note by inhaling.If you want the best sound when playing the harmonica, you have to breathe through it.You don't have to use strong streams of air to play the harmonica.You can get a rich sound from your harmonica with moderate amounts of breathing.As you learn to play the harmonica, you may be able to reduce the amount of breaths you take by breathing through the instrument.Without a break in the sound, this can help you sustain long melodic phrases.
Step 5: Take a look at the holes you can bend on the draw.
Some notes can't be bent on the harmonica.When drawing air through the instrument, only holes one through six can be bent.With enough practice, you should be able to bend notes freely, even if you have better luck with one hole over another.Some holes bend more than others.Don't worry, if you can not bend some notes as much as others, that's fine.This is normal.The numbers on the harmonica should be above the holes.
Step 6: You can practice playing a single hole.
Since you can only bend a single note at a time when playing the harmonica, you'll have to practice your lip or tongue blocking.You should not blow the air into the instrument.
Step 7: Say something on a single note.
You should alternate between the vowels "Eee" and "Ooo" as you play your single note on the harmonica.This trick can help beginners get used to bending notes.When you transition from "Eee" to "Ooo", lower your jaw.You can use the sounds "Tee" and "Two" with this vocalizing technique.When you transition between "Eee" and "Ooo" you can create these by hitting the roof of your mouth.The inner mouth T-strike can be used to give a punch to your harmonica.
Step 8: Draw bending notes.
It is easy to bend.Once you learn how to bend notes on the harmonica, you'll likely develop an instinct for this technique that will help you master the other draw bends more quickly.As you learn, be patient.bending notes is an advanced technique.
Step 9: The holes for blow bending should be determined.
You cannot bend a note on the blow with the holes on your harmonica.Some of the notes are easier to bend than others.To find out which blow bend holes are most comfortable to you, you should bend the notes.Blow bending is more difficult than draw bending, but both are similar.You should first learn draw bending.
Step 10: Put a note on the blow.
If you want to play a single note while blow bending, you need to narrow your mouth or block off other holes with your tongue.You have to practice this until you can do it consistently.You should only be practicing this note on the blow.You can't bend holes eight through ten on the draw.
Step 11: Stand up on the single note blow.
Opposite of blow bending, you'll need to start with an "Ooo" sound and transition to "Eee" sounds.The "Ooo" and "Eee" should be raised in your jaw.If you want to make your transition between vowels easier, hit the roof of your mouth with a T.
Step 12: Blow bending notes.
It may take a while before you can blow bend naturally.Add variations to the intensity of your blow if you're having difficulty.Changing your mouth shape can help you achieve your bend.